What Does Continuous Mean in a Script?

What Does Continuous Mean in a Script? Screenplays are full of nuances that can be difficult to fully understand for a beginner, particularly when it comes to the use of certain terminology such as “continuous” and other industry specific terms. When “continuous” is used in a script it has a powerful ability to guide the […]

What is the Dunning Process in Film and What Does it Mean?

Filmmaking dates back more than 100 years and has certainly evolved along the way. Techniques and practices that are used to create the films and television shows that we all watch today are in some ways nothing like they were in the beginning of the industry but in other ways they are incredibly similar in scope. Techniques, […]

Common Types of Allusions in Films

Allusions represent a popular literary device that is used by authors and screenwriters to achieve character development. To create strong associations to well-known works and past concepts. And to devise stronger storylines. Many different types of literary allusions in films exist to develop these connections to past works. From phrases that can be connected to […]

What is Voice-Off in Film? A Definition for Beginners

When you see the term “voice-off” in film, or the abbreviation “V.O.” or “O.S.” a number of potential scenarios likely come to mind. By definition, what is voice-off in film?  In this simple voice-off film definition, we’re looking to address exactly what it means to have a voice-off in film and how it can be applied in […]

Examining Denotation and Connotation Difference in Film Media

Films generally have two guiding principles in which the meanings of words or objects are delivered connotatively or denotatively. Whether a film quote or object is described connotatively or denotatively plays a role in the connections that people make to the story and whether it has literal or nonliteral meaning. In examining denotation and connotation […]

What is Connotation Film Theory?

What is Connotation Film Theory? In film semiotics there are various orders of meaning in which it is expected that spectators will distinguish between what a sign or symbolic element stands for and the cultural associations with the symbolism. Moreover, these distinguishing orders or levels of meaning represent denotation and connotation, respectively. According to film […]

How to Write a Flashback in a Screenplay

How to Write a Flashback in a Screenplay Are you new to screenwriting and worried about all the times you’ve been told NOT to write flashbacks into your scripts? The “Pros” are constantly handing out advice to newbies and it almost always seems to center around warning aspiring screenwriters against the use of flashbacks in […]

What is Phantasmagoria Film?

What is Phantasmagoria Film? Early horror theater utilized a series of lanterns and rear projection in order to project scary images onto the walls calling it a phantasmagoria. Film production has since taken some of this early style of horror theater to an entirely new level to deliver terrifying accounts of horror storytelling based largely […]

What Does the Term “Direct Cinema” Refer To in Film?

What Does the Term “Direct Cinema” Refer To in Film? Throughout the many years that filmmaking has been popular, there have been a variety of changes that have occurred to the techniques and processes that are used to produce the films we know and love. One particular filmmaking technique, known as Direct Cinema, became incredibly […]

What is the Phi Phenomenon Meaning in Film?

What is the Phi Phenomenon Meaning in Film? Phi phenomenon is a psychological concept that is frequently discussed in terms of psychology. But it sometimes comes up when discussing filmmaking, too. You may have heard the term “phi phenomenon” used in psychology, but what is phi phenomenon meaning in film and what does it have […]